As many as 6000 children in Fiji will be assisted with education supplies after the Foundation for the Education of the Needy Children in Fiji (FENC Fiji) raised over $25,000 through a 10km walkathon event last week.
Board member Raj Sharma said while the government would be supporting students with free education and bus fares, FENC Fiji would be assisting with uniforms, shoes, bags, books and stationery.
“During COVID-19 we had a very difficult time because we didn’t have support,” Mr Sharma said.
“This year we are fortunate enough to have Government allocate $100,000 for us in the budget. “We are trying to create this awareness that we do exist and this is not only limited to the 6000 children that we have in the Central Division.” Mr Sharma said they had also assisted children in the Northern, Western and maritime islands.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Education, so at the moment we will have to manoeuvre and see all the children around Fiji that need assistance.” He said a plan to have a similar walkathon in the Northern Division is underway.
“This will probably take place in the next two to three weeks’ time and various other fundraising events all around.
“We must acknowledge HFC Bank, BSP, TFL, Tuckers and the other corporate organisations that continue to support us.”
The event was in partnership with the National Fire Authority (NFA) and Fiji Police Force with a theme — ‘Walk for Education and Gender Equality’.
The walkathon began at the Valelevu Fire Station and ended at Furnivall Park in Suva.
FENC Fiji is a voluntary, non-profit, cause-oriented organisation that provides educational; and related support to children of the poorest of the poor families and since its inception in 2009 they have assisted more have 25,000 children.
